The Polio NIDs campaign coupled with AVW was officially launched on Friday 26th April 2013 in Wellington Community Health Centre, at Western Area, in Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone by Dr Abu Bakarr FOFANAH, Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation (MoHS). The function was well attended, with the participation of senior officials of the MOHS, Rotary international, WHO, UNICEF, parliamentarians, civil society organization, traditional and religious leaders among others.
In his speech Dr Fofanah emphasized the need to reach all eligible children with vaccines and urged the full participation of stakeholders for a successful outcome of the campaign.
In her statement on behalf of the UN Country team, Dr. Pamela Mitula applauded the government of Sierra Leone for their effort in ensuring children survival is central in the national agenda, and commitment to polio eradication.

Mini-launches were conducted in all districts. In addition the media is disseminating information on the African Vaccination week and NIDs to communities.

Polio NIDs were held from 26-29 April 2013. Target population for the campaign is 1,424,586 for children aged from 0 to 59 months.